If you are on
Highway 52 south of Minneapolis you'll pass through Coates. The main
feature that's likely to catch your eye is Jake's Bar (Exotic
Dancers!) However, if you glance to the west you'll see some
mysterious smoke stacks. They sit there year after year like
dinosaurs looming in the distance. Some years ago I finally gave
in and checked them
out. I saw many strange ghosts and vowed that I'd
come back again for a closer look. I always seem to be in a hurry
when I'm on Highway 52, either to get to the Twin Cities or get back
home. The strangeness of those ghosts grew in my mind over the
years, but I kept them there, savoring the mystery. On 9 April 2005 the
time was right. It was warm and windy, alternating between clouds
and sun, I had some time, and my camera was by my side.

The ghosts
are actually closer to Rosemount. There is the Dakota Technical
College and a University of Minnesota research site in the area. As
I drove down a gravel road I stopped a man that was walking and
asked him if he knew anything about them. He said that from what he
knows, they are an abandoned World War II munitions factory. Apparently
it was not completed when the war ended. Until I find out
differently, that's what I'm going with. A factory, from a world war
many years ago, decaying as time moves forward. A Dead Place. I am
reminded of the story
By the Waters of Babylon by Stephen Vincent Benét.

An article about the history of
this place from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology
is entitled Research Takes Flight at
Rosemount. Thanks to John U. for bringing it to my
attention.

A New Vision for UMore Park is
taking shape. Thanks to Kevin K. for bringing the 30 October 2007
newspaper article to my attention.